Birth Control

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation or tubectormy (better know as having your tubes tied), is a surgical method of birth control that is more or less permanent. Remember no surgical method is 100% safe and you should make sure you don't want any children before you conceder this as it is both expensive and can be risky.

Procedures

Tubal ligation surgically changes the fallopian tubes to permanently block sperm from reaching the egg released by the ovary, but you must remember that even after the surgery, your body will still ovulate as it did before.

You have several options with tubal ligation, see what you have as options below.

Laparoscopic Tubal Sterilization - This is the least invasive and most commonly used method, and the recovery time and scarring are almost none existent.

Laparotomy - If your abdomen is going to be opened for some other surgical reason, then this becomes an option, it involves an incision through the abdominal wall, to give access to the fallopian tubes and reproductive organs.

Minilaparotomy - aka "the mini-lap”, this simple 20 minute log operation is performed by making a cut above the pubic hairline to allow the doctor to reach the fallopian tubes.

Transvaginal Tubal Sterilization - This is a uncommon hi risk method that requires general anesthesia.

Effectiveness

This is 95% effective or better, the reason for this is no surgical operation can ever be assumed 100% successful, the body will in some cases repair it self fully or partially as well, so make sure to consult your doctor.

Positive Benefits

You will never have to deal with any form of birth control.

Risks

Surgery is always risky, and the skill of the doctor and your bodies reactions to the surgery and other complications must be considered as well, please speak with your doctor before you use a surgical method of birth control.

Other risks include having an ectopic, or tubal, pregnancy which is dangerous to the mother and child, thankfully doctors can normally spot this early on, and can recommend the appropriate course of action.

Is This Reversable

Yes, micro surgery can reverse the effects but the success rate of reversal will depend on the type of surgery that was initially performed and your age. If you are over 35 or have less then 4 centimeters of tube left, you should conceder yourself permanently sterile.

Final Thoughts

Permanent sterilization is best suited to women who are happy with what they have, child wise. If there is any that you might want another child in the future, a different method of birth control should be used.